Solar Control Systems
The Solar Control System is both the heart and brains of a solar water heater. It is what controls the flow of heating fluids and water, based on programmable temperature differential measurements. It measures the temperature in various zones such as at the output of the collectors and compares this to the temperature of the solar storage tank and makes decision to turn off/on pumps and Diverter valves. The solar controller can display the current status of the system and make adjustments for safety. It can also remotely connect the system to a user’s PC or iPhone through the Vbus.net web platform.
For more information on remote monitoring click here.
There are 3 main parts to a Solar Control System:
Digital Controller:
This consists of a differential computer that has temperature input sensors and also has output relay controls. The digital controller will turn the pumps on when there is heat demand from the collector, divert the heat to an auxiliary heating system and shut the system down if the heat demand is too low (or too high in emergency conditions).
Mechanical Pumps and Diverts:
This consists of the components that physically move and control the water or heating fluid This consists of pumps and electronic Diverter valves are used to control the flow with in a solar thermal system.
Specialty Plumbing:
Often over looked but vital to safe and efficient operation of a solar water heating thermal system. These are the various specialty pluming requirements that are needed to properly operate any solar heating, including:
- Safety features -such as pressure release valves, one-way flow valves and expansion tanks
- Service features -such as fill and drain valves as well as shut of valves
- Operating regulators -such as pressure display, flow meters, hot and cold temperature valves
- Maintenance features -such as air bleeding scoops
Fortunately there are systems that combine all three components into one compact pre-assembled system. This makes installation very quick and reduces the chances of failures and incorrect installations. Northern Lights uses PAW solar flow stations with RESOL DeltaSol computer controllers for all our systems. These German engineered systems have been used in over 2, million solar installations world wide, making them the industry's leading suppliers of quality solar components and controllers. Their proven track record means you be assured the best system on the market!
Controllers
The RESOL DeltaSol® BS Plus system controller is for standard solar thermal systems with 2 standard-relays allowing control of two zones such as water and AUX heating zone. It has an additional aqua stat function preprogrammed for different hydraulic layouts and is equipped with energy metering.
- Illuminated system-monitoring-display
- Up to 4 temperature sensors Pt1000
- 2 standard-relay outputs and two tanks and two collector fields
- 9 basic layouts are selectable
- Heat balancing, tube collector function
- Energy metering
- Function control
- Programming and remote control of the system via RESOL Service Center Software possible
- RESOL VBus®
- Real Time Clock (timer function)
- Aqua stat function
- Emergency shut down and cooling function
- System Cooling & Collector Cooling
- Freeze protection
- Vacuum tube collector function
The RESOL MX Controller is the most advanced hydronic controller in the industry. It is designed from complex heating system that have multiple zones and can manage 14 relay outputs and 15 sensor inputs and an additional 5 expansion modules can extend its capacity. Remote management is possible through the Vbus.net platform. New V2.0 includes hydronic radiant floor cooling. Easy combination and parameterisation of pre-programmed functions for several millions of hydraulic variants.
- 14 relay outputs and 12 inputs for Pt1000, Pt500 or KTY temperature sensors
- Up to 5 extension modules via RESOL VBus® (45 sensors and 39 relays in total)
- Inputs for analogue and digital Grundfos Direct Sensors™
- Integrated control of up to 4 high-efficiency pumps via PWM outputs
- Data logging, storing, easy transfer of controller adjustments prepared and firmware updates via SD card
- Cooling over the heating circuit with condensation detection by means of a dew point switch
- Simplified timer, 0-10 V boiler control and DHW preheating
- Remote access to the heating circuits with room control unit(s) or the VBus®Touch HC App
- Extended optional functions, e.g. solid fuel boiler function with mixer and target temperature control
Pump Stations
- All medium-bearing parts are made of brass
- Integrated BS Plus Controller
- All connections 3/4“ female
- With Pre-assembled steel wall bracket
- Full port ball valve in return pipe is noise-free, low pressure drop, manual opener for faster line drain service, spring-actuated - special design for solar thermal applications
- Large ball valve handles for easy grip, and visible closing position
- Air-Scoop in the supply line for a permanent degassing of the heat transfer medium
- Function-optimized design insulation made of durable elastic EPP; 100% insulation of the fittings - excellent pump ventilation and cooling
- Solar safety assembly Pressure relief valve 86 PSI high-temperature manometer 0 - 90 PSI with Drain valve for flushing and filling, flat sealing connection for expansion tank
- Full metal solar thermometer, 32-320°F (0 - 160°C) can be pulled-off, with immersion sleeve being integrated in the ball valve
- Fully assembled with flat sealing union connections at most joints
- Pump can be isolated for servicing
- Flow meter Flow quantity measuring device with balancing valve, 1-13 l/m
- Flushing and draining unit integrated Two drain valves (at the Flow meter and at the safety group) enable the filling and flushing of the system
- Wilo Star 3 speed pump S21
- All medium-bearing parts are made of brass
- All connections 1/2“ female
- With Pre-assembled steel wall bracket,
- Full port ball valve in return pipe is noise-free, low pressure drop, manual opener for faster line drain service, spring-actuated - special design for solar thermal applications
- Large ball valve handles for easy grip, and visible closing position
- Air-Scoop in the supply line for a permanent degassing of the heat transfer medium
- Function-optimized design insulation made of durable elastic EPP; 100% insulation of the fittings - excellent pump ventilation and cooling
- Solar safety assembly Pressure relief valve 86 PSI high-temperature manometer 0 - 90 PSI with Drain valve for flushing and filling, flat sealing connection for expansion tank
- Integrated solar thermometer and Pressure guage, 32-320°F (0 - 160°C) can be pulled-off, with immersion sleeve being integrated in the ball valve
- Pump can be isolated for servicing
- Flow meter Flow quantity measuring device with balancing valve, 1-13 l/m
- Flushing and draining unit integrated Two drain valves (at the Flow meter and at the safety group) enable the filling and flushing of the system
- Wilo Star 3 speed pump S16
RESOL FLOWSOL PUMP STATION
Pump Station Features
Airstop
Especially designed to permanently de-aerate the solar fluid of solar installations. Optimum installation point: in the collector flow, in the solar valves and fittings.
- Accessible, easy access for servicing during operation
- High de-aerating output due to low viscosity at high temperatures of the solar fluid in the flow and due to big volume (minimal flow velocity, long storage period)
The air separated from the solar fluid gathers in the Air stop and can be vented from time to time. Using especially stainless steel corrugated pipes, the system can be completely vented.
High Temp Flow Valve
Brass fitting for high temperature. The flow valve ensures flow of the system only one way and prevents anti siphon caused by thermo-siphoning during the evening. Manual temperature gage with service valve allows for quick servicing without having to drain the system.
Flow Meter
High quality Bora Silicate Glass Flow meter with service valve ensures accurate calculation of flow. Adjustable flow valve allows micro calibration of flow.
Commercial Heating Control System
